"Hello" Feburary

...and "Goodbye" January!

No "news" here. As usual I've been a slacker at blogging. It seems the only reality of my blogging efforts is to refresh the appearance of my blog with current "themed" decor.

I don't even know if my blog is read by others anymore, because I am a "Hit or Miss" kinda girl when it comes to writing down my thoughts. So bad so (I hate to even admit) that I had a difficult time remembering my own blog site link and had to start at "Blogger.com" to sign in first. Now that's just wrong - seriously wrong!

I have a very good excuse, though (don't I always?).

I've been without my laptop since January 1st. A great way to start the new year (not!). And I just found out that the board of all boards - the "Mother board" is Shot! Kaput! Finito! Dead! Done! Gone!

How does that even happen? Seriously?

Is there a timer that is placed inside these computers that sets off a chain reaction as soon as your "warranty" has expired?

Thankfully, I purchased my HP at Costco, which then added one year to my warranty, and then because I purchased it with my American Express, I had another year slapped on. So...Ha! to the end of warranty computer geek that tried to sabotage my poor laptop.

And now I am wondering what will Am Ex decide? Will they want to pay $784 to repair the "mother board"? On top of an addition $90 just to get the estimate for repair? Or will they merely refund my original purchase price of $1400?

And more importantly, "What do I want or hope they do?" And "Should I buy another HP?" Some have even said I should go "Mac". These are just a few thoughts racing around in my mind; along with more important thoughts like "How is it February already?" and "Who took my Egg-O?!" Okay, that last one I made up.

Besides, I've lived the past month using my husband's computer. Not that he's thrilled about that. But he tolerates me playing "Farkle" on Facebook. And checking my e-Bay sales.

I suppose I'd be doing more on his, but my Blackberry and iTouch have been good coverage while I'm waiting to hear about the outcome of my laptop's life or demise.

So, that was pretty much my January. I'm really looking forward to a better February themed blog now that I've gotten this all off my chest.

Holidays Buh-Bye!

Isn't it funny how we rush and hurry to get everything ready for the holidays. Then, what seems like a "blink of the eye", they are gone! Buh-Bye!



I often think about what it would be like to slowly prepare throughout the year and then when December comes, calmly sit back, relax and actually ENJOY. Could that even be possible?



Or is part of the "Holiday Happenings" the stress of it all? Rushing around, trying to find that perfect gift. Making sure the cards are sent off and more importantly that the gifts are shipped off "on time". Throwing Holiday Parties that you hope "everyone" can make it to, so you can visit with them and celebrate just a little before they are off and running to another event.



I think my 2010 will be to plan a little bit better, to schedule things a little bit sooner, and even start making gifts a little bit earlier. And if my mind remembers to, I will look back at 2009 and compare the two and see if it really does make a difference.



Wishing each and everyone of you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year in 2010!
Lord knows, we all can benefit from that (don'tcha think?).




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Crockpots and Canning

It's definitely "FALL".

Today we've been very productive. Not only is the house filled with the welcoming smell of dinner (thanks to the crockpot and my hubby). We also canned for the very "first" time; and made Apple Preserves.

It was somewhat time consuming; but with the two of us peeling/coring/slicing, and then the actual preparation of the apples prior to going into each bottle, we filled 14 jars with yummy Arkansas Black apples.

Preparation:Sliced Apples into large saucepan with water and lemon juice.

Then they boil for 10 minutes before adding pectin, sugar and the seasonings (nutmeg, ginger & cinnamon.

Once the jars are filled, they must be placed in boiling water (I'm guessing to help seal in the flavors), but that's just a guess.

And the final product; 14 jars of Apple Preserves. Prepared from four $10 bags of Arkansas Black apples. Yes that totals $40. Not by choice; but we made the most of the situation.

Disclaimer: Jim aka Hubby wants everyone to know that between the cooking in the kitchen he found time to sit on the couch, watch football, drink a beer and scratch his butt, so that he could maintain his "manhood".

FYI: The above disclaimer is not true. He took a nap after working in the kitchen.

If he thinks I'm going to lie on his behalf he has another thing coming.

Besides, he can "blog" about his butt scratching and manhood on his own blog.

"HAPPY FALL"

POWER "road" TRIP

As usual, if the Black's are going to travel - they are going to see as much of the world and make the most of a trip. And that's just what we did this past week.


On October 22nd we flew into Orlando Florida for a Wedding Weekend Extravaganza at Walt Disney World.


We stayed at Port Orleans Riverside. Our only frustration - we love to walk but the place was so spread out on several acres that we asked to have our room moved closer to the main lobby due to the humidity and "melt" factor.




What a fun time shared with our dear friends, Celeste & Mike. So many memorable events. So many "Magical moments" - because we were at Disney, folks!

The Happy Couple

Reception Table




With Mike's foot out of commission (aka broken) their Wedding Dance was priceless!


The First Dance





On Sunday morning, we headed off to Savannah Georgia. We were in the car for 6 hours prior to our arrival and couldn't wait to walk around and see some of the sights. We only had part of the afternoon and one evening in Savannah so we had to make the most of it.

It was great to see the "historical" buildings - some have been standing for over 200 yrs.

The old buildings were used for so many different things. Our hotel "Planters Inn" once was a brothel (many years ago) and is said to be haunted on the 6th floor where a woman shot her husband that was "visiting" the brothel.

The current CVS was once a jailhouse and is considered to be haunted by a slave woman that was hung in the square just outside the CVS. They only are open until 6 pm each day due to the paranormal activity.

Savannah Cotton Exchange



River Walk Area

We couldn't believe the old cobblestone streets that have been there for years.


Bird Girl - was made famous by the photograph placed on the cover of the novel "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". The original Savannah Bird Girl, the four foot high bronze statue was moved from Bonaventure Cemetery to Telfair Museum on Barnard Street.

Maybe we'll get to see the original statue when we return to Savannah some day.



After indulging in a yummy meal of Fried Green tomatoes, Crab Cakes and sweet tea (very Southern) on the River Walk. We took a "Ghost" walking tour. A perfect way to see Savannah (walking).

Tasty Dish of Fried Green Tomatoes




Oh how I miss "Sweet Tea".





Some of the haunted residence we learned about on the Ghost tour follow in photos. I found myself hesitating to look up at the windows in case I were to see some paranormal activity.

BOO! hee hee

The trees dripped with Spanish Moss (which added to the spooky effect). Did you know that chiggers are little red bugs that live in Spanish moss and whose bite hurts like the dickens?

In the next picture (of The Olde Pink House) I wonder if that isn't a paranormal orb just above the window? Hmmm? I ask because only a few pictures taken on the Ghost tour had these strange spots.

Monday we took another (even longer) trip, with a brief stop over for lunch in Charleston, GA at Magnolia's. Probably some of thee best Southern cooking (fried chicken, collard greens and smashed potatoes and fried green tomatoes).

And another brief stop for dinner in South Carolina "Steak & Shake", before arriving in West Virginia.

We basically left Savannah around 11 a.m. and arrived in West Virginia around 11 p.m. It was a very, very long day in the car (to say the least). But we saw some beautiful sites and a lot of color in the fall leaves (which I love, love, love).

We were so happy to not have to go anywhere the next day (Tuesday). Though, while visiting with Jim's dad we did some house shopping and I think we found a keeper. It even comes with Direct TV and plenty of kitchen appliance replacements.

I think we could possibly fit in with those West Virginians (what do you think)?

Wednesday we hopped back in the Prius and took off to Washington DC. We left around 8:30 a.m., with a stop somewhere in Maryland for a late breakfast/early lunch at Cracker Barrel and then off to DC. We arrived around 3 p.m.

I did already mention that we are power travelers, didn't I?

When we arrived in the afternoon, we had just enough light left to walk the Mall and visit some of the monuments (i.e., Washington & Lincoln monuments, Korean/Vets & World War II memorials)

Touching the Washington Monument

View from the Washington Monument looking towards Lincoln (our next stop)

The steps at Lincoln Memorial

As the sun set on the Washington Monument we headed back up the mall towards the capital.

This memorial was amazing - and a little eery.

We found a little french restaurant on our walk back towards the capital and had some dinner before continuing to see the capital (lit up in the dark).

Thursday we awoke to clouds (but thankfully no rain) and headed off to the Smithsonian to visit the Natural History museum (Jim's fave)...

And then to the American History museum (my fave) - where I got to see Julia Childs Kitchen (very cool).

Once on the tour bus; after a long walk around the two Smithsonian museums we headed towards Georgetown and then to Arlington Cemetery.

We hopped on a shuttle at Arlington (because our dogs were barkin') and toured a few of the famous stops (JFK's eternal flame and The Unknown Soldier).

"Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" is guarded 24 hours a day - 21 steps, pause 21 seconds, turn and walk back in front of the tomb 21 steps.

Though we missed seeing the Ford Theatre and Spy Museum - that will give us something to visit next time we find ourselves in D.C.

And that is our trip in a nutshell.

We logged 1401 miles from Orlando to DC in five (5) days. Would we intentionally do that again? Not sure - but it sure was a lot of fun.

Hope you enjoyed reading about our travels.

Until next time,

Crafty

I've recently started making cards & invitations & even an occasional scrapbook (for gifts). They can be somewhat time-consuming, but gratifying. And it's satisfying to see the faces on the recipient (of said card/invite/scrapbook).

One that I'm pretty proud of is the following card/invitation given to my friend for her birthday. I laid it out to reflect the day I had planned to celebrate her birthday.

It was a lot of fun to create and so was the day.

I just completed several handmade Halloween cards, but failed to take pictures. I had Monday (Columbus Day) off and spent a good part of the day crafting the cards.

I also spent time cutting out fabric for aprons I made for a craft show in LA. Co-worker friends of mine offered to sell them at the show. We'll see - I'm not sure - but I do know one sold even before the show.

It's satisfying to know that someone enjoys the work I put into the things I create; whatever that may be.